Six months after taking the defense post, 35-year-old Mykhailo Fedorov was dismissed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a broader reshuffle, setting off protests that spread from civilians to military ranks.
The rupture followed a clash with armed forces chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, as Fedorov accused the Soviet-trained general of blocking drone-era reforms and preserving a top-down command culture despite battlefield changes.
Fedorov had been credited with modernizing drone procurement, tightening anti-corruption rules and helping drive strikes that disrupted Russian logistics, making his removal a flashpoint for soldiers and veterans demanding lower casualties.
The backlash deepened when the air force's deputy commander resigned, warning the move could weaken air defenses, while analysts said Zelenskyy may have underestimated Fedorov's public standing and fueled suspicions he was removing a potential rival.
In Moscow, war bloggers welcomed the ouster as a chance for political infighting to weaken Ukraine, even as some acknowledged Syrskyi's defenses have helped stall Russian advances.
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Inside Ukraine’s 2026 Defense Shakeup: Fedorov’s Ouster, Civil Unrest, and the Fight Over Military Reform
Overview
On July 16, 2026, President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, sparking immediate and widespread protests across Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. Fedorov, after his dismissal, publicly accused Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi of blocking crucial military reforms and undermining his position. In response to the unrest, parliament quickly approved Sergii Koretskyi as the new Prime Minister and appointed Maj. Gen. Yevhenii Khmara as interim Defense Minister. This rapid leadership change highlighted deep divisions within Ukraine’s military and government, raising concerns about unity and the future direction of the country’s war effort.